Transportation Planner II

Full Job Description

Bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to our team as a Transportation Planner II. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city. Houston is a place where the cost of living is more than 25% below the top 20 metro average, and with no state income tax, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

ABOUT US

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department is a key player in the mayor’s efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents.

Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston’s built environment.

Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve.

We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization.

We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations.

POSITION PROFILE

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department Transportation team offers an exceptional opportunity to make significant and tangible impact on the daily lives of one of America’s largest and most complex urban environments. Houston is not a one-size-fits-all city. In this role, you will be in the front line of developing innovative solutions to improve mobility, expand access, and provide safe active transportation for all. The dynamic nature of Houston’s growth means you will work on a wide variety of projects including the Major Thoroughfare and Freeway plan, Mayor Whitmire’s sidewalk initiative, bike-to-trail plan, waterways plan, and safe railroad crossings plan to name a few. You will work closely with the GIS team to assemble data for the high injury database and leverage third party’s traffic data to enhance our toolbox for decision making. You will be coordinating mobility and transit projects with other agencies such as METRO, HGAC, TXDoT, Harris County, TIRZs, Management Districts, Houston Parks Board, and more. A career in public service with the City of Houston Planning & Development Department Transportation team provides a chance to engage in challenging work that directly shapes the urban landscape, ensuring the city’s transportation network supports a high quality of life

and economic opportunity for everyone. Demonstrated proficiency in GIS and transportation modeling software are preferred.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Presents, or assists in presenting, detailed reports or studies to community groups, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Assists in the development of studies in support of new or updated plans, programs, projects, or regulations.
• Serves as liaison to coordinate plans, projects, and policies with other City departments and outside organizations.
• Writes, or assists in writing, formal and technical reports, planning documents, grants and correspondences.
• Reviews project proposals of moderate complexity for compliance with applicable regulations or standards.
• Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific transportation planning programs, regulations, grants, or projects.
• Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Works closely with the public on transportation planning programs, requirements, or projects.
• Create and maintain data in a geographical information system or other database format.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical assistance for the MTFP, sidewalk program, bike-to-trail plan, waterways plan, safe railroad crossings plan, and other plans.
• Serves as liaison to BAC, Sidewalk Committee and other plans or projects as needed.
• Assist with research for the high injury network database
• Support other Planning Department divisions, other CoH departments, partner agencies, and the public with information and research regarding the City’s Major Thoroughfare and Freeway Plan, and other planning studies.
• Conducts research and understands best practices and policies in transportation planning.
• Assist in coordinating interagency planning activities such as Sub-Regional Mobility Planning Studies, Livable Center Studies and other planning studies.
• Assist with community engagement efforts for multiple planning projects.
• Assist with any other duties as needed.

JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Demonstrated experience in leading moderately complex transportation studies and analysis.

• Proficient in data analysis, especially travel and crash data, and knowledge of the Texas CRIS database.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and other specialized software such as TransCAD, Remix, etc.
• Ability to communicate orally, graphically, and in written form about transportation planning programs, studies, and projects the public and technical audiences.

PERSONALITY TRAITS:

• Disciplined, self-responsible, reliable, result-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and customer service.
• A natural forward-thinker who critically assesses own performance and has an aptitude and desire to learn new competencies and skills.
• Professional and skilled at representing the Department to a wide range of audiences.
• Adapts well to changes and works well with others.

• Well-presented and businesslike.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required.
There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Planning and Development Position at the Tier III Level.

All duties and responsibilities may not be included in the above job description.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of transportation planning, as well as in-depth knowledge within one or more planning specialties. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through experience and a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Four years of progressively responsible planning experience required, with at least one year of professional transportation planning experience.

A Master's degree in Urban Planning, Transportation, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or closely related field may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
None

Qualifications

Preference will be given to individuals who have:

• Knowledge of transportation funding opportunities from the Federal, State, and regional levels.
• Experience in grant writing and implementation.

• Demonstrated design skills related to transportation infrastructure, i.e. street design and appropriate dimensions for street components for urban areas.

• Intermediate and above proficiency in Microsoft Office, and specifically Excel.
• Intermediate and above proficiency in ArcGIS and other specialized software such as TransCAD, Remix, etc.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

**

Additional Information

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The hiring department may administer a skill assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - No.

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 21

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6049.

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6049. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new hires and re-hires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.